Learn how to protect your card from contactless scams

Credit card contactless payment technology gained momentum at the beginning of the Covid-19 pandemic, when it was recommended to avoid physical contact between people and objects. But it brings a security problem: the machine being hit.

This scam consists of putting a value into the machine and trying to touch other people’s cards, which may be in the back pocket of their pants or in their purse. As this technology does not require the use of a password, the amount can be debited from the victim’s account without them realizing it.

What is contactless payment

This type of payment works by bringing the card with NFC (Near Field Communication) technology to a payment machine.

Inside it there is an electromagnet that stimulates a coil inside the card. This generates energy and runs a radio system that transmits information between the two devices. This communication is what allows the purchase to be authorized.

This only works if the two are within a very short distance, which is not a problem for the criminal if they are in a crowded environment, such as a bus or a concert.

How to protect yourself

For security, the bank or the customer themselves can set a maximum amount for this payment to occur without asking for a password. However, this does not prevent small amounts from being stolen.

This contactless payment also works through cell phones that have this technology. These are called digital wallets. This brings an extra layer of security, because payment only occurs if the device is unlocked, regardless of the value. In this case, you can leave your card at home and just use your cell phone.

There is another way to protect your card inside your wallet, which is using a Faraday cage – a device that will prevent energy transmission between the card and the machine. In practice, just wrap your credit card in aluminum foil. This is enough to impede communication.